Overview & Reviews
Back in the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima was ideally positioned as a bridge between midsize family sedans and out-of-reach European sport sedans thanks to its powerful V6, upscale interior and catchy "Four-Door Sports Car" marketing tagline. These traits, along with Nissan's continual improvements, ensured the Maxima loyal followers and strong name recognition.
Since that time, other automakers have targeted the Maxima's niche and brought out excellent competing models. For a little while, the Maxima struggled to keep up. The current-generation Maxima, however, is again a compelling choice if you're looking for a sedan that provides both performance and luxury.
Current Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
There are two available trim levels: S and SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like xenon headlights, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface with a USB/iPod interface.
A pair of packages available on the SV allows buyers to equip their Maxima with either a wealth of luxury/convenience items (Premium) or sportier performance/appearance items (Sport). To either of these, the Technology package adds a number of high-tech features. This all-or-nothing packaging system means the Maxima can get expensive very quickly.
Despite this, our editors have praised the current Nissan Maxima for its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It also offers a high-quality interior and many premium features that make it feel like an entry-level luxury car. However, it's priced like an entry-level luxury car, too, which may be a turn-off to those who'd appreciate a luxury badge to match.
Used Nissan Maximas
The current, seventh-generation Maxima debuted for the 2009 model year. Other than slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment, it's effectively been unchanged since.
The previous, sixth-generation model spanned 2004-'08. This Maxima was longer, wider and more powerful than earlier models, though it struggled to stand out against the competition.
Two trim levels were offered during this generation: SE and SL. With a slightly stiffer suspension, the SE was the sportier of the two. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry and one-touch up-down front windows. The more luxury-oriented SL offered 17-inch wheels, softer tuning, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, HID headlights and a 320-watt Bose audio system.
Changes were minimal throughout this model's run, so interested shoppers needn't fixate on a particular year. There was a transmission change, however. Maximas from 2007 and 2008 featured a CVT, while earlier models came with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Earlier Nissan CVTs were disappointing, but the Maxima's CVT worked quite well. The V6 offered by the more recent models in this generation boasts 255 hp, while older models list a higher rating (265). This is the result of a new power rating procedure enacted in 2007. Actual engine performance was unchanged.
In our reviews, we determined that the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima offered better power, comfort and interior space compared to other V6-powered, front-drive midsize sedans. This generation Maxima's driving dynamics didn't impress like some other competitors, though. Fit and finish and materials quality were also hit and miss. If you're shopping for a used car in this age range, the Maxima might be worth a look. But we'd also recommend the Acura TSX and VW Passat.
Fifth-generation Nissan Maximas were available from 2000-'03. Key improvements over earlier models were a smooth-revving 222 hp from the standard 3.0-liter V6, a boost in rear-seat legroom and an available 200-watt Bose audio system. At the time, our editors were still impressed with the car's power and interior room but were increasingly skeptical of its value. Further upgrades in 2002 included a bump in displacement (3.5 liters) and power (255 hp) to help keep the Maxima at least marginally ahead of Nissan's V6-powered Altima sedan.
Cars built for the 1995-'99 model years constitute the fourth generation. For this Maxima, Nissan added length, improved the quality of the interior and introduced a new 190-hp all-aluminum V6 for all trim levels, which was arguably the gold standard in its day for responsiveness and refinement. Its handling wasn't quite as responsive as the previous version and its styling wasn't very well received, but it was still very popular given its desirable combination of utility, performance and luxury.
The third-generation car was built for the 1989-'94 model years. Nissan was enjoying a product renaissance at the time, and this was the first Nissan Maxima with true sporting credentials. Unlike other Japanese midsize sedans, the Maxima came with a V6 only and an optional manual transmission. Early versions had a 160-hp V6; a 190-hp engine became available in 1992 for the Maxima SE. A second-gen Maxima was available from 1985-'88.
The Maxima is one of Nissan's most historic vehicles in the U.S. market. Known originally as the Datsun 810, it officially became Maxima in 1982 -- also the year that the Datsun brand began its metamorphosis into Nissan.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 3,122.00-
2nd Max probably last - 2006 Nissan Maxima
By Max2 - July 26 - 2:26 pmThis is my 2nd Maxima. I had an 02 SE for over four years. This one soundly beats that one in terms of features, comfort and performance. There are some areas where this one falls way short in comparison though. Mainly, the build quality of the interior stinks. Very cheap. You can really tell where Nissan was pinching pennies. Ive had issues with the exterior finish as well. Due to all the squeaks and rattles Im planning on trading for an 07 Acura TL after keeping this car for only one year.
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Truly Dissappointed - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By bigmixx - July 22 - 1:36 amI bought an 05 SE in Jan and now 8 mon. later Im looking to get rid of it. The build quality of this car is horrible. Im getting a clucking noise in the front everytime I take off, stop or turn. Dealer says they cant duplicate it but I hear it all the time. Entire dash squeaks, rattles, & cracks everytime the weight of the car shifts. Dealer wants to charge me to fix this as "adjustments" arent covered under warranty after 12,000 mi. Theres a vibration in the tranny when I shift from reverse to drive that the dealer says is normal (yeah right). Rotors have warped 3 times within 16,000 mi. wheel shimmies at 60 mph. Im in the process now of trading it in on an 07 Camry.
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All show - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By charles schell - July 16 - 2:30 amPoor handling at high speed. Car shakes at high speed. Car seems to float at 80 mph. Very top heavy in curves. Car tight into curves, loose in the center and loose out of curves. Car performance seems to go away during after being driven through out day. Low gear is too high, poor performance at start. A/C fan blower very low. Door locks should lock when car is in gear.
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GOOD CAR HAS BEEN BUILT VERY CHEAPLY - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By Dave12114 - July 4 - 10:00 amNice, solid car killed by cheap tricks in attemps to keep costs down. Next time will get Acura 3.2TL or like For this sticker price VDC ( taking on account horrible steer tork) MUST BE standard - hey, NISSAN - if you screwed something up - be honest - PAY FOR IT! Cheapest insterior materials Ive ever seen for this price! Suggested Improvements "SKYVIEW" made only to force pay more for "regular" sunroof - cheap trick Options - they put together to make you pay for the stuff you dont want! Warranty period - comeon guys - you (NISSAn) dont trust your car?
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Maxima really worth buying????? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By shavis - May 26 - 9:40 pmMy husband and I had our 04 Nissan Maxima for 11 months & 23 days. We bought our Max in Sept.03 we traded it in Sept.04. The first time we had a problem it was 35 degrees outside. Max had problems starting. The colder it got the more it would not start at all. I had about 15 mornings when the veh would not start at all. I missed 1.5 hrs of work one day. & it was 15 degrees I spoke w/dealer from where we purchased Max & they bring it in, but could not find anything wrong w/it. We started having quality issues in Apr04 grill began to bubble up, rear door weather strip had to be replaced 5x. Not happy with quality of veh. luv speed and exteior of veh not happy w/ many other things!
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Could have been much better.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
By nissan fan - April 8 - 2:00 amI love the power of this. Its very fun to drive espeically with the 3.5 liter power house. However, my biggest complaint with the car is the interior quality. Its all PLASTIC, and has a very cheap look and feel to it. After 1,500 miles my sunroof and front dash is already rattling. Im not sure what Nissan was thinking with this car when it came to the interior. The exterior is so-so. My biggest worry with the exterior the cheap front grill. I drive on the highway, and I usually get rock chips. Now my plan is to get rid of this car and get an Accord, at least the interior isnt made of cheap plastic.
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Not recomend - 2010 Nissan Maxima
By Victoria - March 26 - 10:00 amI have one remark - at driving this car I feel pressure in ears and it is painful even some time after leaving the car. Whether I have taken an interest at the seller so it. And unfortunately a dealer has confirmed this problem
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Not the car Nissan claims it to be - 2003 Nissan Maxima
By jessefrank - March 13 - 7:43 pmIf you are looking of a performance sedan Id look elsewhere. Not bad, but the interior build quality steered me away after owning for 2.5 years. Also all that power isnt of any use if it cant get to the road. Despite my tire choices I still lost traction not only in the winter, but durning the summer with wet roads. Roads only have to be slightly wet to lose traction especaially on take-off. Car developed a harsh ride despite not handling all that well.
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OK but leaves one wanting more - 2007 Nissan Maxima
By Ken - March 12 - 11:40 pmThis is a pretty good car overall. Not sure I would pay again for the same model. The 07 re-design is not bad but the 09 is far better.
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Could be better ...... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
By Warrior - March 9 - 5:20 amErratic transmission shifts with the 5- speed auto. Noise in cabin after 35 MPH or on highways. Excellent suspension settings. Great exterior view.
